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FAQ

FAQ

ABViewer

Our company wants to buy an ABViewer license, but we’re not quite sure, what version to choose.

ABViewer is available in Professional and Enterprise editions. The Professional edition has the limited set of features, and the Enterprise one has the most extended functionality. You can find more detailed information about ABViewer editions and their functionality here. Moreover, if you are still not sure what ABViewer edition suits you best, please contact us at info@cadsofttools.com and we will help you choose the right one.

What license types of ABViewer are available? What is the difference between user and floating licenses?

There are two types of ABViewer licenses: user and floating licenses. A user license can be used by a single person, the license owner, only and a floating license can be used on an unlimited number of computers within one TCP/IP network by any user who has access to this network. The number of computers using ABViewer simultaneously is restricted by the number of purchased floating licenses. More details about ABViewer licensing at the licensing page.

Does ABViewer license have any expiration date?

ABViewer licenses don’t have any expiration date, but the license is valid for the purchased version only. Updates within the major version are free. Upgrades to the latest version of ABViewer (for example, from v10 to v11) are optional and paid.

Does ABViewer have a trial version? What limitations does it have?

Yes, ABViewer has a free 30-day trial version which is available for downloading at https://cadsofttools.com/download/abviewer.zip (32 bit) and at https://cadsofttools.com/download/abviewer_x64.zip (64 bit).The trial version has the following limitations: only 7 PDF to DWG conversions are available, the Batch print tool allows printing maximum 3 files, background watermarks while saving and printing drawings.

The trial version of ABViewer has 7 free PDF to DWG conversions. Are there any size limitations for a PDF file?

The trial version allows converting multipage PDF files of any size. Such file will be considered as one conversion. To convert a PDF to DWG use one of the following tools:

  • File -> Import PDF/EMF;
  • File -> PDF to DWG.

How do I get rid of the background watermarks?

To work with a file without any watermarks you need to purchase the required version of ABViewer.

What are system requirements for ABViewer?

Please go to the ABViewer page to see the minimal and recommended system requirements.

Is ABViewer compatible with macOS or Linux?

The current version of ABViewer is compatible only with Windows, but you can try CST CAD Navigator. It is our new CAD application compatible with macOS, Linux, and Windows.

I want to download a trial version of ABViewer. Which version, 32- or 64-bit one, should I download?

A 32-bit ABViewer is supported by both 32- and 64-bit systems. A 64-bit version of ABViewer is supported by 64-bit systems only. To determine the bitness of your computer do the following:
For Windows XP/Vista/7: run the Start menu ->Computer -> right-click -> Properties -> System type;
For Windows 8/10: right click the Start menu –> properties –> System type.

I can’t see dimensions and texts in the drawing. What do I do?

Most likely, the hide measurements mode is on, which is responsible for displaying all the measurements in the uploaded CAD file. On the Viewer tab in the Hide group click Measurements to disable this mode. If measurements are displayed but you can’t the dimensional text, you need to turn on the text display by clicking Texts in the Hide group.

Is it possible to view 3D models in ABViewer?

Yes, viewing of 3D models such as IGES, STEP, SAT and BREP is supported in ABViewer Professional or Enterprise. A free full-featured trial version of ABViewer supports viewing of 3D models too.

Does ABViewer support measuring of 3D models?

Yes, ABViewer allows measuring distance between two points, edge length, curvilinear edge radius, height between two parallel surfaces as well as surface area of 3D objects. Even more, it is possible to get information about overall dimensions of a model. Learn more about 3D measuring here.

How can I measure 3D models?

You can find an informative article on measurement of 3D models in ABViewer here.

Can I convert a DWG file to STEP/IGES?

For now, DWG to STEP/IGES conversion is not supported. Nevertheless, you can convert DWG files to 3D STL or OBJ format.

Does ABViewer have the PDF to DWG feature?

Yes, ABViewer allows converting PDF to DWG. Please note that PDF to DWG conversion is available in ABViewer Enterprise only.

Does ABViewer support CATIA or COREL DRAW formats?

No, it doesn’t. You can find the full list of supported formats at this page.

How to turn off the visibility of some objects in the complex 3D model?

To hide some parts of a 3D model open the Structure panel on the Viewer tab. The Structure panel shows all the file contents and you need to uncheck those of them you want to hide. If you want to see the whole model again, please check the previously hidden parts.

How do I save some part of a 3D model to DWG/DXF?

Before saving a drawing to DWG/DXF you need to hide unnecessary objects of a 3D model. To hide unnecessary elements, open the Structure panel on the Viewer tab. Now you see the full list of file contents, where you should uncheck the unnecessary parts. When the selected items are hidden, go to File -> Save as -> and select required file format (DWG/DXF, etc.). After it, the visible part of the model will be saved to DWG/DXF.

When and how do I receive my invoice after placing an order?

The invoice will be sent automatically after the payment is received.

Is it possible to place a purchase order (PO)?

Yes, you can place a purchase order for ABViewer. Follow these simple rules to create a proper PO:

  • Write the correct vendor address. To state the right vendor address, please contact us at info@cadsofttools.com, and we will provide you with the latest vendor information;
  • State the full name of the product you are purchasing and its ID (ABViewer ID is shown after you click the order button near the required ABViewer version at the order page or you can contact us for the required ABViewer ID;
  • Mention the preferred currency;
  • Please, note that you must accept the vendor’s T&C for the PO to be processed.

When you create a PO, please send it to us to finish ordering.

Can I transfer my license to a new PC?

Yes, you can. Please note that each user license can be used by a single person – the license holder.

How to change units of measurement while measuring the object?

Let’s suppose that you know the original measurement units of a drawing, e.g. millimeters, and by default the displayed units are unitless in ABViewer. To convert drawing units to millimeters do the following:

  • Open the measurement settings : File -> Options ->Measure;
  • Select the initial drawing units in the Original units of the drawing field;
  • Select the required drawing units in the Displayed units of the drawing field;
  • Click OK.

Please note that this option is applicable to 2D drawings only as changing of drawing units of a 3D model is not supported in ABViewer.